After final payment question

[amazinglife]

What happens if the price drops after final payment

Can you get an adjustment on your credit card or recieve onboard credits

[CI66774]

I think you're SOL except for maybe an upgrade.

[ghstudio]

If there is a deal offered after final payment for a cabin that costs more than you have already paid, you can upgrade and pay the difference between what you paid and the price of the cabin you want.

You have to read that carefully. It is based on the price you paid....has nothing to do with the current price of the cabin you have booked. And the cabin you would like to change to has to cost more than you paid. If it costs the same as you paid for a lesser cabin, you can't change.

There is no refund or OBC given after final payment.

[neverbeenhere]

If the numbers work, it might be possible to cancel the cruise, get a partial refund, and re-book with the lower price. I don't "know", that is why I try not to look after I pay for a cruise.

[Orator]

Originally Posted by neverbeenhere

If the numbers work, it might be possible to cancel the cruise, get a partial refund, and re-book with the lower price. I don't "know", that is why I try not to look after I pay for a cruise.

Probably not. Celebrity has recently revised their rebooking policies knowing that people did this. No problem keeping your booking number if you are paying more money to upgrade.

[amazinglife]

so if I understand this correctly if I book an inside for 899.00 and after final payment a balcony goes on sale for 999.00 I can pay the 100.00 difference for the upgrade

Any other penalty imposed

[Orator]

Originally Posted by amazinglife

so if I understand this correctly if I book an inside for 899.00 and after final payment a balcony goes on sale for 999.00 I pay the 100.00 differnce

Any penalty imposed

Yes you can book it for $100. No penalty. I do it all the time. I've gone from a C3 to AQ for a 14 day cruise for about $150 per person.

[tserface]

We've done this before as well, but, of course, you run the risk of there not being a special and getting stuck with an inside cabin (if that's not what you really wanted). Of course, C3 to AQ is not too risky

We typically book the least expensive room we really wouldn't mind having and then watch for specials and upgrade if something becomes available for a great price. Of course, you never know. On our last cruise all the prices went up so we were glad to have the price on our 1C veranda room. We've gotten good deals lots of times.

Tom

Originally Posted by Orator

Yes you can book it for $100. No penalty. I do it all the time. I've gone from a C3 to AQ for a 14 day cruise for about $150 per person.

[amazinglife]

Of course, C3 to AQ is not too risky


Do not know what the above means....sorry for my ignorance on this subject

[Orator]

Originally Posted by amazinglife

Of course, C3 to AQ is not too risky


Do not know what the above means....sorry for my ignorance on this subject

C3 is a Concierge3. Usually poorly located, but Concierge perks. AQ is Aqua Class.

[tserface]

If I remember right, C3 is the highest Concierge Class and AQ is Aqua Class. I'd be super happy to sail in either so if I booked the former in hopes of getting an upgrade to the latter I wouldn't mind if I did or didn't. That's a bit different that booking and inside room and hoping for a veranda or higher room to come down in price. I've had inside rooms and been super happy cruising, but I much prefer to be able to see outside if it's possible. I confess we've gotten a bit spoiled.

Tom

Originally Posted by amazinglife

Of course, C3 to AQ is not too risky


Do not know what the above means....sorry for my ignorance on this subject

[Orator]

Originally Posted by tserface

If I remember right, C3 is the highest Concierge Class and AQ is Aqua Class. I'd be super happy to sail in either so if I booked the former in hopes of getting an upgrade to the latter I wouldn't mind if I did or didn't. That's a bit different that booking and inside room and hoping for a veranda or higher room to come down in price. I've had inside rooms and been super happy cruising, but I much prefer to be able to see outside if it's possible. I confess we've gotten a bit spoiled.

Tom

C3 is the lowest Concierge. C1 is the highest. Unfortunately, can no longer do an onboard booking and get a C1 at a C3 price.

[amazinglife]

Is it better to book directly or through an online agency

I know you can't give me a name

[Orator]

Originally Posted by amazinglife

Is it better to book directly or through an online agency

I know you can't give me a name

Might depend on how much service you need or want. Celebrity charges all agents the same price for a cabin, but some will give you more of their commission in On Board Credits and/or gratuties. Best is to book while onboard (not always possible of course) and double up on your credits. Some agents, both online and on land, often have a group rate which can save $$$. You need to shop around.

[mimito4]

Originally Posted by Orator

Unfortunately, can no longer do an onboard booking and get a C1 at a C3 price.

But if you have an AmEx Platinum card, you can book the C3, and get the two category upgrade benefit, thereby securing a C1. We just did this on the Reflection November crossing. I originally wanted an aft stateroom (a C1), but felt price was too high, so we booked a 1A (location is important to me), and then when prices dropped, we "upped" our booking to a C3 (which by then was just a little more than we had paid for the 1A), and grabbed our free upgrade to a C1 aft. Perfect! I think that is the best use of the platinum benefits.

Originally Posted by Orator

Might depend on how much service you need or want. Celebrity charges all agents the same price for a cabin, but some will give you more of their commission in On Board Credits and/or gratuties. Best is to book while onboard (not always possible of course) and double up on your credits. Some agents, both online and on land, often have a group rate which can save $$$. You need to shop around.

Well said, and so true, Orator!

[Orator]

[quote=mimito4;35553204]But if you have an AmEx Platinum card, you can book the C3, and get the two category upgrade benefit, thereby securing a C1. We just did this on the Reflection November crossing. I originally wanted an aft stateroom (a C1), but felt price was too high, so we booked a 1A (location is important to me), and then when prices dropped, we "upped" our booking to a C3 (which by then was just a little more than we had paid for the 1A), and grabbed our free upgrade to a C1 aft. Perfect! I think that is the best use of the platinum benefits.



Did not know about the AMEX card. I booked my upcoming Silhouette TA onboard and received a C1 for a C3 price. This practice has since ended since the upgrade was costing X a lot of money. In my case the C3 was $750 pp less than the C1. Guess more people will check into the AMEX card. However, I rarely book a Concierge on an S Class ship. Usually book AQ or SS. Booked it for the TA for the aft view.

[mimito4]

Orator, I too love the aft view.

In our case, at least a couple of weeks ago, the C1 was $1100 more than the C3. For sure, this was a good use of the AmEx Platinum 2 category benefit!

And btw, it wasn't about the concierge benefits, it was because I desired an aft stateroom, but wasn't willing to pay the C1 rates.

[texkan]

Tell me more about how the AE card works, please.

We generally book future cruise while onboard a cruise and then transfer booking to a TA. I do pay with AE.

[mimito4]

It simply has to be a non-branded American Express Platinum card (which has a pretty hefty annual fee--so do your math to see if you earn it back with your habits and lifestyle). It can't be a co-branded Am/Ex platinum (like a Delta Am/Ex platinum for example).

Unlike what many believe, and what some TAs even think, you do NOT have to use an American Express Travel Agency. These are the benefits you receive. This is taken directly from the American Express page:

Platinum Am/Ex Cruise Privileges benefits aboard Celebrity

• Two-category upgrade or up to $300 per stateroom shipboard credit (depending on ship and category booked)
• Complimentary dinner for two in one of the ship's specialty restaurants
• Bottle of premium wine or champagne
• Double Membership Rewards points

It does seem that you don't get the double rewards points except when you use an Am/Ex Agency, but otherwise, I've gotten all these benefits, and am receiving them when I cruise in November, along with the benefits my TA gives me.

[stereo]

Hi all--simeone gave incorrect advice--as I read the post--I booked an ov cat 07 for $100 less than the 08 price 18 months prior to sail date--after final payment date I became aware that senior rates were avaiable--I called celeb and was told that I could upgrade and pay the difference--after further discussion i was informed that conceriege guaranty was less than what I paid--I could switch but not get a refund or obc --called my TA switched and was assigned to a cabin near the forward elevators on sky deck--no brainer--thank you celeb